Brooke Dougall and My Locky are set to represent Australia at the inaugural FEI Eventing World Championship for U25 in Ireland. Image by Easily Photographie.
This month, Brooke Dougall will represent Australia at the inaugural FEI Eventing World Championship for U25 in Ireland. Partnered with homebred My Locky, Brooke’s championship debut sees the continuation of a journey that began on the Australian eventing circuit and, following hard work and sacrifice, has progressed in Europe to reach this exciting milestone.
Held at Millstreet in Ireland from 22–26 July, the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championship for U25 will be the first championship of its kind — marking an exciting opportunity for rising stars of the sport.
Based in Bonn, Germany, Brooke Dougall is one of two riders selected to represent Australia, and she will be joined by her long-time equine partner, My Locky.
Born and raised in Australia, Brooke relocated to Europe in 2022 to pursue a career in the equestrian industry at TS Showjumping, an elite stable that is home to seven-time Olympian for Japan, Taizo Sugitani, where she is now head groom.
The 2026 FEI Eventing World Championship for U25 will mark Brooke’s debut representing her country at a major event and comes after many years of building a professional career in the industry supporting others — whilst also steadily progressing her own competitive aspirations.
Brooke has been based in Germany since 2022, with Locky making the trip over from Australia to join her in 2023. Image by Easily Photographie.
AN ENDURING PARTNERSHIP
My Locky was bred in Australia by Brooke’s mother. The 18-year-old Hanoverian x Thoroughbred gelding is by Domingo (Daktylus) out of a Thoroughbred broodmare named No Questions Asked, who was registered with the AWHA.
“I first started riding Locky when I was 13 years old. At the time, I had to grow into him, so Mum continued riding and competing him while I gained experience,” explains Brooke of the early days with Locky.
“As I developed as a rider, Locky became my partner, and together we began our eventing journey at one-star level. With the guidance of some incredible coaches, we gradually progressed through the grades, achieving wins at both two-star and three-star level. Alongside our eventing success, Locky and I were also competing in Grand Prix showjumping, while he was training at Prix St Georges dressage level, showcasing his incredible versatility.”
Brooke has long had the goal of reaching four-star level. “We finally reached that milestone in Australia, but unfortunately our dream was cut short. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was cancelled before the cross-country phase, meaning we never had the opportunity to complete our first four-star together.”
Brooke then moved to Germany to pursue her career as a groom. Unsure how long she’d stay, the horses remained at home with her mother and Locky enjoyed a well-earned year away from eventing.
With her career progressing, Brooke ultimately decided to stay on at TS Showjumping. “It was a huge decision, but once I committed to staying, everything moved quickly,” she explains.
“To make it possible to bring Locky to Europe, I sold my Hilux and stripped back my possessions to raise the funds for his flight. It was a big sacrifice, but one I have never regretted.”
Locky adapted to European life remarkably well and after more than 18 months away from competition, he and Brooke returned to the sport at a two-star event in Arville; from there, they stepped back up to three-star level.
“It was a big sacrifice,
but one I have never
regretted…”
An injury meant another period on the sidelines, however Locky came back stronger than ever and following several successful three-star competitions, he and Brooke finally achieved their long-awaited European four-star debut at the end of 2025.
Locky was bred in Australia by Brooke’s mother, and Brooke has trained the gelding through to four-star level. Image by Easily Photographie.
LESSONS FROM AN ELITE JUMPING STABLE
Working for TS Showjumping has taught Brooke countless lessons that she says have shaped her as both a horsewoman and a professional.
Attention to detail is non-negotiable as a groom. “When you’re working in an Olympic-level stable with horses worth significant amounts of money, you need to be at the top of your game every single day,” explains Brooke.
“The horses’ welfare and management must be second to none, and that level of care soon becomes second nature. Every horse is checked before turnout, when they come back in, before and after exercise, and again during evening checks. You learn how each horse moves, their individual personalities, and their little quirks. You notice immediately when something isn’t quite right, and that attention to detail allows for early intervention before small issues become bigger problems.”
Brooke and Locky finally achieved their long-awaited European four-star debut at the end of 2025. Image by Leszczynska Foto/Julia Leszczynska.
Planning is also a critical part of the role. “Managing a top-level competition stable is about far more than riding horses. It involves coordinating staff, managing daily schedules, maintaining a safe and efficient facility, overseeing feeding programs tailored to each horse’s individual nutritional needs, and even having practical skills such as replacing a lost horseshoe when required. Success comes from being organised and always thinking several steps ahead.”
For many, navigating international horse transport and logistics is a serious challenge — however it has now become second-nature for Brooke.
“I’ve gained invaluable experience organising the complex logistics involved in transporting horses internationally. This includes coordinating health documentation, veterinary requirements, transport arrangements, flights, and ensuring every detail is in place so the horses travel safely and arrive ready to compete,” she explains.
Not just the organiser, these days Brooke is often also the driver. “One achievement I’m particularly proud of is obtaining my international truck licence in Germany. It was a challenging process, but it has given me greater independence and flexibility when transporting horses throughout Europe.”
Brooke and Locky in the dressage arena; Locky is trained to Prix St Georges level. Image by Easily Photographie.
TRAVELLING WITH TAIZO
While Brooke hasn’t competed at a major championship herself to date, she has attended the 2022 FEI World Championships in Herning, the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris as head groom for Taizo Sugitani. These experiences certainly hold Brooke in good stead for a championship start of her own, and she says remaining calm under pressure is an attribute she’s gained.
“One of the most important parts of my role is making sure Taizo can focus entirely on competing. At major championships, every detail matters, and my job is to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible so that he can concentrate on his performance without worrying about the logistics,” shares Brooke.
“That means being highly organised, knowing the competition schedule inside out, and always staying one step ahead. From preparing the horses and equipment to coordinating travel, training times, veterinary appointments and competition routines, every aspect has to be planned and executed precisely.
“For me, the key is staying calm under pressure. Horses and riders feed off the atmosphere around them, so remaining relaxed, sticking to my plan, and trusting my preparation are essential. If I can create a calm, organised environment, then both horse and rider have the best possible opportunity to perform at their highest level.”
REMAINING GROUNDED
“It has been a very hectic few weeks!” says Brooke of her lead up to the FEI Eventing World Championship for U25 later this month. “TS Showjumping has just relocated to a new stable complex, so there has been plenty of packing, moving, and unpacking involved in getting everything settled into our new home.”
Although the Championship marks the biggest event of Brooke’s career, once TS Showjumping is settled in its new home, her day-to-day will remain relatively unchanged over the next few weeks — and she’s glad to maintain that routine.
“I’ll keep working at TS Showjumping, riding horses, managing the stables, and sticking to my usual routine. As exciting as preparing for a major international competition is, the horses still need feeding, the stables still need running, and the day-to-day work never stops. I think that’s one of the things I enjoy most — it keeps me grounded and focused while we work towards our goals.”
As for Locky, Brooke explains that his routine won’t change too much either. “We’ll continue focusing on his fitness and strength work, along with fitting in a couple of training sessions with Fouaad Mirza, my cross country coach, and Taizo. He’ll also have his regular equine physiotherapy sessions and a check-up with my vet to make sure he’s feeling his best.”
As someone who has worked alongside an Olympian, Brooke is very aware that riders must also treat themselves as athletes. “I’ll be continuing my own strength and fitness program with my trainer back in Australia, Natasha Gunston from “The Eventing Physiologist”— thank goodness for Zoom! It’s been a fantastic way to stay consistent, even while living on the other side of the world.”
Brooke is excited for the Championship and is looking forward to representing Australia. Image by Leszek Wojcik.
In Millstreet, Brooke and Locky will be joined by fellow Australian Steph Eriksen, who will assist the duo on cross country day.
‘IT FEELS SURREAL’
“Honestly, it feels surreal,” shares Brooke of her impending Championship debut at age 25.
The age cut-off for the Championship allows riders to compete from the beginning of the calendar year in which they turn 16 until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 25, meaning this inaugural Championship has come just at the right time for the young Australian.
“I bought Locky over to Europe to gain experience here and to ride against the best in the world, to learn and become the best I can be. To now be given the opportunity to represent Australia at Millstreet this year makes me incredibly proud and excited. I look forward to continuing our journey on the international stage, gaining valuable experience.
“Looking back, our journey has been anything but straightforward,” reflects Brooke. “It has included sacrifices, setbacks, patience, and perseverance, but every challenge has made reaching this level even more rewarding.
“To now be representing Australia internationally with the horse I have grown up with is something I am incredibly proud of, and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter of our journey takes us.” EQ
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